FR3094087A1 - System and method for centralized monitoring and control of water consumption in buildings with several floors - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (10) for centralized monitoring and control of the water consumption of a multi-storey building comprising: a master hydraulic unit (1), at least two slave hydraulic units (2) each being associated on one floor, at least one tracking device (3) and a connected control object (4), said connected control object (4) comprising: a communication module capable of receiving, for each of the floors of the building, the values usual water consumption values and the observed water consumption values, and a display module (410) capable of displaying them. The invention also relates to a building coupled to such a system and a method for monitoring and centralized control of the water consumption of a multi-storey building. Figure to be published with abstract: FIGURE 1

Description

System and method for centralized monitoring and control of water consumption in buildings comprising several floors

The present invention relates to the field of methods and systems for the distribution of water in installations. In particular, reference will be made to a method and a system allowing centralized monitoring and control of the water consumption of buildings comprising several floors. The present invention relates in particular to a centralized system intended to simplify the detection and protection against water leaks in the hydraulic network of buildings comprising several floors. The invention also relates to methods for detecting and protecting against water leaks in the hydraulic network of a building comprising several floors.

Water leaks are extremely detrimental to the health of buildings and especially high-rise buildings. Since concrete is a permeable material, water leaks will infiltrate and spread easily. If the source of the water leak is left unattended or an emergency response is not initiated, it can cause significant structural damage often requiring very costly repair of structural elements. Water leaks are a very common fault in buildings and can be the main cause of early onset of corrosion and deterioration of concrete. In addition, water leaks in multi-storey buildings can cause hygiene problems.

The leak can come from many appliances or pipes in the building and the resulting damage can generate significant expenses. Although insurance policies can cover such damage, the cost of repair and downtime remains high for the company. It is therefore necessary to have a system capable of reducing the damage and costs of leaks, especially in multi-storey buildings, by quickly identifying unusual consumption and more particularly a leak and then interrupting the consumption of water on the floor concerned and/or by notifying the owner.

Existing systems make it possible to control the hydraulic network of an installation from several sensors distributed in the installation. Current systems are generally based on monitoring different points of consumption of a hydraulic network with a multiplication of the number of these distributed devices. Thus, there are several systems such as those described in document FR2922015 which are based on the installation of a plurality of sensors in each room with centralization of information. Nevertheless, these sensors and/or actuators generally require the setting up of wireless communication to allow communication of the sensor-actuators with the central monitoring and control unit. In the absence of wireless communication, it requires the installation of an entire distributed wiring network in the installation. In addition, this type of decentralized distribution has disadvantages such as the installation time which represents many hours to install in each of the rooms distributed monitoring devices and the cost associated with this installation and its maintenance.

The document US2016/161940 proposes, for example, an intelligent system capable of storing information on the consumption habits of a user using sensors, and capable of alerting a user using wireless communication. . However, this system is not suitable for large buildings with many floors. The document US2012/291886, for its part, also proposes a remote control system for the water supply of a building using sensors detecting a lack of water and a control unit making it possible to communicate with a remote device. However, these systems require significant installation time as well as effort when installing and setting up the system. In addition, there are still difficulties with the complete installation of a centralized system for monitoring and controlling water consumption and its installation in a building.

Thus, there is a need for new systems allowing the rapid implementation of monitoring of water consumption and more particularly of leaks in buildings with several floors.

[Technical problem]

The object of the invention is therefore to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the aim of the invention is to propose a system for monitoring and controlling water consumption allowing an operator to easily manage the water consumption of a multi-storey building and to prevent, identify and/or or quickly control a leak. In particular, the aim of the invention is to respond to the problems caused by distributed tracking systems and in particular to the heaviness associated with the on-site configuration of existing distributed systems.

The invention also aims to propose a method for monitoring and controlling water consumption making it possible to quickly identify and control the occurrence of a leak in a multi-storey building.

[Brief description of the invention]

To this end, the invention relates to a centralized monitoring and control system for the water consumption of a multi-storey building comprising: a master hydraulic unit, at least two slave hydraulic units each being associated with one of the floors, at least one tracking device and one connected control object,

said slave hydraulic units comprising:

• a cold water distribution pipe equipped with a flow meter and a solenoid valve,
• a hot water distribution pipe equipped with a flow meter and a solenoid valve,
• a control unit capable of controlling the solenoid valves, and
• a communication module configured to transmit, to the tracking device, flow data generated by the flow meters;

said master hydraulic box comprising:

• a cold water distribution pipe, connected to the main water network, equipped with a flow meter and a solenoid valve,
• a control unit capable of controlling the solenoid valves of the master hydraulic unit, and
• a communication module configured to transmit, to the tracking device, flow data generated by the flow meters;

said at least one tracking device comprising:

a data processing module configured for:

• generate by learning, from the flow data generated by the flow meters, usual water consumption values for at least one of the floors,
• calculating, from the flow data generated by the flow meters, water consumption values observed for at least one of the floors; and

a communication module configured to transmit to the connected control object the usual water consumption values and the observed water consumption values; and

said connected control object comprising:

a communication module capable of receiving the water consumption values observed for each of the floors, and

a display module capable of displaying said water consumption values observed for each of the floors.

Such a system makes it possible to quickly equip and secure a building. Indeed, it is only necessary to equip the building with a master hydraulic unit and then a slave hydraulic unit per floor. Contrary to the majority of other systems interested in the points of use, here the system considers a floor as a whole. However, the presence of a slave hydraulic box per floor makes it possible to cut each floor independently of each other and the master hydraulic box makes it possible to cut the main network (i.e. all floors). In addition, on some hydraulic networks, if there are several outlets for each floor, then several hydraulic boxes can be used per floor. Thus, such a system makes it possible to use only one box per outlet (and not per point of use).

A system according to the invention therefore constitutes a solution making it possible, from a limited number of locations in the building, to control the water inlets on each of the floors. In addition, its configuration is fast because the system is able, by learning, to define usual consumptions then to compare the consumptions observed with the usual consumptions. It then requires at the time of manufacture a minimum of configuration.

Finally, the system allows the centralization of the control of water consumption and in particular of leaks at the level of the same connected control object making it possible to visualize on each floor: consumption, overruns, alerts, etc. In addition, the connected control object is advantageously configured to be able to cause an immediate closing of one or more solenoid valves.

According to other optional features of the system:

• the master hydraulic box can communicate with the slave hydraulic boxes in a local network. In particular, it communicates with the slave hydraulic boxes through an Ethernet type connection. This increases the reliability and safety of the connection between the hydraulic units.
• It may comprise a single data tracking device positioned in the master hydraulic unit. Thus, the generation of the usual water consumption values and the calculation of the observed water consumption values are carried out within a single and same hydraulic unit, saving calculation resources on the slave hydraulic units.
• Alternatively, it may comprise several tracking devices, one of the tracking devices being positioned on the master hydraulic unit and the others each being positioned on one of the slave hydraulic units. This can save processing time and allows autonomy of the slave hydraulic units.

• The processing module can include charts relating to the allowable flow rates according to the number of equipment on each of the floors. Thus, the system can be quickly adapted to the particularities of the buildings.
• The processing module can be configured to compare the usual water consumption values with the observed water consumption values. This comparison is preferably made stage by stage and over a predetermined period of time. When the processing module identifies a significant difference, it establishes the presence of a leak on the floor concerned.
• the data processing module can be configured to identify an upward or downward trend in water consumption.
• the data processing module can be configured to identify a water leak in one of the floors. As will be detailed, this leak can be identified from a learning model integrating the presence or absence of a leak as a label. In addition, this identification may include the calculation of an estimated number of people on the floor.
• the communication module of the monitoring device can be configured to send an alert to the connected control object when a water leak is identified in one of the floors.
• the control units can be configured to close a solenoid valve when the communication modules of the hydraulic units receive an instruction to close said solenoid valve. For example, the system is configured to implement automatic programming of the solenoid valves to close them at predetermined times and open them at other predetermined times.
• when a leak is identified, the tracking device can be configured to automatically send the control units an instruction to close at least one of the solenoid valves.
• The processing module can be configured to perform consumption comparisons according to seasonality. For example, it compares observed water consumption values to usual water consumption values at similar previous periods (e.g. day of current month with same day of past month or same month last year).
• It may also comprise at least one CO ₂ measurement device in each of the floors and the processing module may be configured to take into account the measured CO ₂ values when comparing the usual water consumption values and the values observed water consumption. Thus, this makes it possible to correct the comparison according to the greater or lesser presence of people on the floor concerned.
• The distribution pipes can include at least one temperature sensor. Such a probe can allow a connection alert function on looping by the control unit. This also allows monitoring of the risk of freezing in a building, the hydraulic unit then configured to send an alert to a user in the event of a temperature that is too low (eg below 5°C or 2°C) and if necessary to propose the setting place of preventive measures.
• The hydraulic units may also comprise at least one water quality control means, preferably selected from: conductivity meter, pH meter, oximeter, turbimeter, nitrate measurement probe, and organic load measurement probe. Such a means of controlling water quality makes it possible to guarantee the health safety of users, for example in the case of water contamination by pathogenic microorganisms, lead, nitrates or other potentially harmful organic substances.
• flowmeters and solenoid valves can be wired to the control unit. If necessary, the temperature sensors can also be connected to the control unit by wire. This allows a significant reduction in the manufacturing and installation costs of the system.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a building comprising a system according to the invention, characterized in that each floor is equipped with one of the hydraulic boxes. In particular, one of the floors such as the basement or the ground floor can be equipped with the master hydraulic box while each of the other floors can be equipped with one of the slave hydraulic boxes.

Thus, the invention makes it possible to monitor and control hydraulic networks in offices. Today, most of the existing solutions are inherent to the habitat and not to the management of the resource in offices.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for centralized monitoring and control of the water consumption of several floors of a building comprising :

• for each of the stages, a generation, by flowmeters, of water flow data in a cold water distribution pipe and in a hot water distribution pipe, each respectively supplying one of said floors;
• a transmission to a monitoring device, by a communication module, of the flow data generated by the flow meters;
• generation by learning, from the flow data generated by the flow meters, of usual water consumption values for each of the floors of the building;
• a calculation by the monitoring device, from the flow data generated by the flow meters, of water consumption values observed for each of the floors of the building;
• transmission to the connected control object, by a communication module, of the observed water consumption values; and
• a display, by a display module of the connected control object, of the observed water consumption values.

Thus, the hydraulic box can be able to compare observed water consumption for each floor with usual water consumption and centralize the information on a connected control object. Preferably, there is a transmission to the connected control object, by a communication module, of the observed water consumption values and the usual water consumption values; and a display, by a display module of the connected control object, of the observed water consumption values and usual water consumption values.

According to the optional characteristics of the process:

• it may include the calculation of observed water consumption values of floors associated with at least two different buildings.
• the connected control object can receive and display the usual water consumption values and the observed water consumption values of several floors of several different buildings.

Thus, thanks to this type of process, building managers can easily supervise a building heritage such as tertiary buildings such as offices.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the appended figures which represent:

a diagram of the organization of a centralized water consumption monitoring and control system according to one embodiment of the invention.

a diagram of the organization of a centralized monitoring and control system for the water consumption of several buildings according to another embodiment of the invention.

a diagram of the organization of a centralized monitoring and control system for the water consumption of a building comprising several floors according to another embodiment of the invention.

a schematic representation of a process for monitoring and centralized control of water consumption according to the invention. Steps shown in dotted lines are optional.

[Description of the invention]

In the remainder of the description, “ substantially equal ” means a value varying by less than 30% relative to the compared value, preferably by less than 20%, even more preferably by less than 10%. When substantially identical is used to compare shapes then the vectorized shape varies by less than 30% from the compared vectorized shape, preferably by less than 20%, even more preferably by less than 10%.

The term " removable ", within the meaning of the invention corresponds to the ability to be easily detached, removed or dismantled without having to destroy the fixing means either because there is no fixing means or because the fastening means are easily and quickly removable (eg notch, screw, tab, lug, clips, nut, thread). For example, by removable, it should be understood that the object is not fixed by welding or by any other means not intended to allow the object to be detached. For example, a connection means able to allow a removable connection can be a threaded connection, a male female connection maintained for example by a triclamp or a connection by flange. These connecting means may further include seals.

The term " solenoid valve " within the meaning of the invention corresponds to a device making it possible to control or modify the flow rate of water in a pipe (a tube or a pipe) using an electrical signal. It can for example incorporate a solenoid or an electric motor.

By " fluidically coupled ", it should be understood within the meaning of the invention the fact that two parts are arranged in such a way as to allow the passage of a fluid from a first part to a second part in a sealed manner (ie without it there is no leak). In particular, the parts are fluidically mounted in series via sanitary manifolds. Thus, the fluid can pass through a first sanitary collector then a second sanitary collector.

By " process ", " calculate ", " determine ", " display ", " extract "" compare " or more broadly " executable operation ", it is necessary to understand within the meaning of the invention an action carried out by a device or a processor except if the context indicates otherwise. In this respect, operations refer to actions and/or processes of a data processing device, for example a computer system or an electronic computing device, which manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic ) in computer system memories or other information storage, transmission or display devices. These operations can be based on applications or software.

By " human-machine interface ", it is necessary to understand in the sense of the invention any element allowing a human being to communicate with a particular computer and without this list being exhaustive, a keyboard and means allowing in response to the orders entered the keyboard to perform displays and possibly to select using the mouse or a touchpad elements displayed on the screen. Another exemplary embodiment is a touch screen making it possible to select directly on the screen the elements touched by the finger or an object and possibly with the possibility of displaying a virtual keyboard.

A " connected object " within the meaning of the invention is an electronic object connected, by a wired or wireless connection, to a data transport network, so that the connected object can share data with another connected object, a server, a fixed or mobile computer, an electronic tablet, a smartphone or any other device connected to a given network.

By “ learning method ”, we mean within the meaning of the invention a process making it possible to define a function f from a base of n labeled (X1…n, Y1…n) or unlabeled observations where Y = f (X) + e. A supervised learning method will be based on labeled observations while an unsupervised learning method can for example prioritize the data or divide a set of data into different homogeneous groups, the homogeneous groups sharing common characteristics and this without observations are labelled. A semi-supervised learning method can be based on the principles of supervised and unsupervised learning methods.

The phrase "water consumption valueswithin the meaning of the invention corresponds to any measurement or value associated with water consumption. Thus, the values can correspond to volumes, weights, flow rates, etc., depending or not on time. Preferably, the water consumption values correspond to volumes as a function of time. The phrase "typical water consumption valueswithin the meaning of the invention concerns the water consumption values observed under normal conditions, that is to say preferably in the absence of a leak on a floor of a building. The usual water consumption values can for example be a median or an average of the water consumptions observed over time on a floor of a building. As will be detailed later, the usual water consumption values are recorded as a function of time according to a calendar reference frame, preferably a one-week calendar reference frame. The phrase "observed water consumption valueswithin the meaning of the invention concerns the water consumption values as measured by the flowmeters and reflecting the water consumption of a floor of a building.

In the remainder of the description, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the direction of fluid flow.

In the remainder of the description, the same references are used to designate the same elements.

The management of the hydraulic network of office buildings presents a major challenge for building managers. Indeed, these generally very large buildings present a significant risk of water leakage, significant consequences and would require a significant investment to secure each of the supply points.

The inventors have proposed a new system for monitoring and controlling water consumption in a multi-storey building allowing adaptive monitoring of water consumption so as to quickly identify unusual consumption which may come from a water leak at one of the floors.

Indeed, a system 10 according to the invention allows the centralized management of a hydraulic network of one or more buildings comprising several floors. The facilities may be industrial, office type, collective housing or domestic type facilities. Preferably, the buildings are office type buildings, EHPAD hospitals. Preferably, the buildings are office-type buildings. Indeed, in this type of establishment, in addition to the problem of water and water quality, we can also have an alert system for the elderly, in particular.

Figure 1 schematizes a system 10 for centralized monitoring and control of the water consumption of a multi-storey building according to the invention. Such a system, as will be detailed below, is preferably configured to carry out real-time monitoring of water consumption. In addition, advantageously, such a system is configured to perform parallel monitoring of water consumption in several buildings each comprising several floors.

For this, a system 10 according to the invention comprises a master hydraulic box 1, at least two slave hydraulic boxes 2 each being associated with one of the stages, at least one tracking device 3 and a connected object 4 for control.

As shown in Figure 1 , the master hydraulic unit 1 comprises at least one cold water distribution pipe 110 equipped with a flow meter 112 and a solenoid valve 113. Preferably, it comprises a single cold water distribution pipe. 'Cold water. This cold water distribution pipe is in particular connected to the main water network. That is to say, it is connected to the water supply pipe in the building.

Thus, thanks to the presence of the solenoid valve 113, the master hydraulic box 1 makes it possible to cut off the main water supply network in the building.

In addition, the master hydraulic unit 1 comprises a control unit 150 able to, preferably configured to, control the solenoid valves 113 of the master hydraulic unit 1. The control of the solenoid valves comprises for example the control of closing or opening. In particular, the control unit 150 is configured to close a solenoid valve when the communication module of the master hydraulic unit 1 receives an instruction to close said solenoid valve.

The master hydraulic unit 1 also includes a communication module 160 configured to transmit, to the monitoring device 3, flow data generated by the flow meters (112). In addition, when a system according to the invention comprises only one tracking device 3, the communication module 160 of the master hydraulic box 1 is advantageously configured to receive and transmit to the tracking device 3 the flow data generated by the flow meters of the slave hydraulic boxes. Alternatively, the slave hydraulic boxes 2 can transmit their flow rate data directly to the tracking device.

The master hydraulic box 1 comprises at least one equipped hot water distribution pipe, a flow meter, a solenoid valve and advantageously at least one temperature sensor.

Preferably, it comprises a single hot water distribution pipe. This hot water distribution pipe is in particular connected to a device for generating domestic hot water.

Similarly, the cold water distribution pipe 110 fitted to the master hydraulic unit 1 may include a temperature sensor 114.

As shown in Figure 1, the slave hydraulic units 2 include at least one cold water distribution pipe 210 equipped with a flow meter 212 and a solenoid valve 213, as well as at least one cold water distribution pipe. hot water 220 equipped with a flow meter 222 and a solenoid valve 223.

The cold water distribution pipe 210 is in particular connected to the cold water distribution pipe 110 of the master hydraulic unit 1.

In particular, these slave hydraulic boxes can comprise only one hot water distribution pipe and one cold water distribution pipe.

Alternatively, these slave hydraulic boxes, as well as the master hydraulic box, can include at least two hot water distribution pipes. This is particularly the case when there is a network with a loop. These hydraulic units may include a main hot water distribution pipe and a so-called loop hot water distribution pipe. Additionally, the waterboxes can be configured so that if a problem is detected on the main hot water supply line and the main hot water supply line solenoid valve is closed then the solenoid valve the loop line is closed automatically. Preferably, a hydraulic box according to the invention is configured to open and close the solenoid valves of the main hot water distribution and so-called looping hot water distribution pipes so as to participate in the implementation of the looping in building.

In addition, a slave hydraulic box 2 according to the invention comprises a control unit 250 able to, preferably configured to, control the solenoid valves 213, 223 of the slave hydraulic box 2. The control of the solenoid valves 213, 223 comprises for example the control closing or opening. In particular, the control unit 250 is configured to close a solenoid valve when the communication module 260 of the slave hydraulic unit receives an instruction to close said solenoid valve.

A slave hydraulic box 2 also comprises a communication module 260 configured to transmit, to the monitoring device 3, flow data generated by the flow meters 212, 222. Moreover, when a system according to the invention comprises only one single tracking device 3, the communication modules 260 of the slave hydraulic boxes 2 are advantageously configured to transmit the flow data generated by the flow meters of the slave hydraulic boxes to the tracking device 3 via the communication module 160 of the hydraulic box master 1.

Whether for the master hydraulic unit 1 or the slave hydraulic units 2, the water distribution pipes are for example made up mostly of copper or brass. Preferably, they consist mainly of copper. Thus, they add additional protection against the development of legionella in the hydraulic network of the building.

In addition, whether for the master hydraulic box 1 or the slave hydraulic boxes 2, the flowmeter 112, 212, 222 can for example be selected from among an electromagnetic flowmeter, an ultrasonic flowmeter, a mass flowmeter or even an effect flowmeter. vortex.

As mentioned, advantageously, the cold water distribution pipes 110, 210 of the master hydraulic unit 1 or of the slave hydraulic units 2 comprise at least one temperature sensor 114, 214.

A temperature sensor on a cold water distribution pipe can be used in hot countries to monitor the cold water inlet temperature and to warn if it exceeds a limit value. This also makes it possible to explain a DHW temperature which would be too low if the preparation were carried out via a gas boiler which guarantees a delta T according to a predetermined value (e.g. 45°C).

Such a temperature sensor 114, 214, can also allow a connection alert function on looping by a control unit 50.

In addition, this temperature probe 114, 214 can also make it possible to identify a risk of freezing of the pipes.

Similarly, advantageously, the hot water distribution pipes 220 of the master hydraulic unit 1 or of the slave hydraulic units 2 comprise at least one temperature sensor 224.

A temperature sensor on a hot water distribution pipe can be used to monitor the hot water inlet temperature and to alert if it exceeds a limit value.

In particular, such a temperature probe 124, 224 can be configured to ensure regular measurement of the temperature so as to generate an alert aimed at informing of an increased risk of formation of a biofilm, for example comprising legionella and which may constitute a health risk.

Preferably, the flowmeters 112, 212, 222 temperature sensors 114, 214, 224 and solenoid valves 113, 213, 223 are wired to their respective control unit 150, 260.

In addition, advantageously, the cold water distribution pipes 110, 210 and/or hot water 220 are equipped at their ends with a connection means able to allow a removable connection. This facilitates the on-site installation of master or slave hydraulic boxes.

One or more of the hydraulic boxes may further comprise a means of controlling the quality of the water. For example, the master hydraulic box can include at least one water quality control means selected from: conductivity meter, pH meter, oximeter, turbimeter, nitrate measurement probe, and organic load measurement probe. In particular, the water quality control means is preferably selected from:

• A conductivity meter, for measuring total dissolved solids such as inorganic ions dissolved in water (e.g. minerals, salts or metals);
• A pH meter, to measure the pH of the water circulating in the network. Preferably, the pH meter is based on potentiometric technology;
• An oximeter, able to measure the concentration of oxygen in water. Preferably, the oximeter is based on optical technology via luminescence or amperometric technology with Clark electrode (nickel/lead);
• A turbimeter, suitable for measuring the turbidity of water, for example according to DIN EN ISO 7027 and/or the quantity of solids, for example according to DIN 38414. Preferably the turbimeter is based on optical technology based on light scattering or absorption such as infrared light or white light;
• A nitrate measurement probe, capable of measuring the nitrate concentration in the water from UV measurements, and
• An organic load measurement probe, able to measure the concentration of nitrate organic load in water from UV measurements.

Some means of water quality control can couple the control of several parameters. Advantageously, the presence of a means of controlling the quality of the water makes it possible to alert of a deterioration in the quality of the water arriving in the hydraulic installation of the building.

The master hydraulic box 1 and/or the slave hydraulic boxes 2 can also comprise a data storage means. The data storage means may include transient memory and/or non-transient memory. It is capable of recording, for example in the form of files, the raw values of the temperature sensors, the flow meters and the positions of the solenoid valves. The non-transitory memory can be a medium such as a memory card, or a hard disk. A microprocessor, the data storage means and the communication module are generally interconnected by a bus. Advantageously, the hydraulic boxes, and more particularly the master hydraulic boxes are configured to only give access to the observed consumption data to the connected object belonging to the system according to the invention.

In addition, even more advantageously, the master hydraulic boxes are configured to only give access to the observed consumption data to the connected object belonging to the system according to the invention and without the possibility of saving this data. This can for example be achieved through the use of an architecture of the REST type (Representational state transfer in Anglo-Saxon terminology) or of the ROW type (Read-Only Web in Anglo-Saxon terminology). This makes it possible to fluidify and secure the system according to the invention.

The master 1 or slave 2 hydraulic boxes can also comprise a support 80 on which are fixed the water distribution pipes 110, 210, 220, the control unit 150, 160, and the communication module 160, 260. The support 80 is preferably intended to be fixed against one of the walls of the building. In addition, the slave and master hydraulic boxes are advantageously in prefabricated form. They can then be quickly installed on the building site and save significant time and reduce the risk of accidents. This is possible because a majority of the design operations for the ducts or tubes required at the central distribution point have been carried out before installation on site.

The ends of the water pipes are preferably positioned at an edge of the support 80. This makes it easier to make the connections.

The support 80 can advantageously comprise at least one plate made of polymer material. The support 80 comprises at least one plate of polymer material having a density greater than 800 kg/m ³ , preferably its overall density is greater than 1000 kg/m ³ and more preferably its overall density or density is between 1000 and 1500 kg/m ³ . Such a density facilitates the maneuverability of the hydraulic box. In addition, the hardness of the surface of the polymer material is advantageously greater than 40 as measured by the ISO 868 standard. Preferably, the hardness of the surface of the polymer material is greater than or equal to 45. The thickness of the support 80 is generally less than 20 mm (per millimeter). Preferably, it is between 5 mm and 15 mm. Even more preferably, it is substantially equal to 10 mm. Similarly, controlling the thickness makes it possible to obtain a support that is sufficiently rigid to support all of the parts that constitute it while maintaining a weight that does not make it complex or stressful to handle.

The polymer material can be composed of different polymers which can for example be selected from: (meth)acrylic polymers (eg PMMA-polymethyl methacrylate), saturated polyesters (eg PET-polyethylene terephthalate, PETG-polyethylene glycosilated terephthalate , PBT-polybutylene terephthalate, PLA-polylactic acid), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), chlorinated PVC (PVCC), polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP).

Preferably, the support 80 consists of polyvinyl chloride and has a density greater than 1200 kg/m ³ .

As shown in Figure 1, the water distribution pipes are fixed to the support 80 via the fixing means 90. These fixing means are advantageously made of polymer material, and are for example polymers

In particular, the master hydraulic box comprises a support 80 on which are fixed the control unit 150, the cold water distribution pipe 110 and the hot water distribution pipe, said support 80 being intended to be fixed against one of the walls of the building.

Thus, advantageously, the hydraulic boxes with all their constituents can be directly installed without requiring the usual operations of threading, bending, drilling or welding on site.

A hydraulic box 1, 2 according to the invention can also comprise a front or a cover, for example in metal or in polymers which may or may not be perforated. This facade or cover covering the components of the boxes makes it possible to protect them. In addition, this facade or cover can incorporate light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that can be used to inform the user of the status of the hydraulic box and therefore of the status of the water network. The LEDs may be of different colors and be configured to constitute an alert system in the event of a malfunction. The LEDs are advantageously positioned so as to form a light projection on a support and in particular so as to allow projection against one of the walls of the installation. In addition, the cover has openings that can act as ventilation and preferably positioned near the control unit.

A system according to the invention also comprises one or more tracking devices 3. Preferably, at least one tracking device 3 is positioned in the master hydraulic unit 1.

A monitoring device 3 makes it possible to generate usual water consumption values and to calculate observed water consumption values. Thus, from the raw data generated over time by the flow meters of each hydraulic unit (i.e. floor), it is able to generate values that can be compared and/or viewed by a building manager.

For this, a tracking device 3 according to the invention comprises in particular a data processing module 350. This data processing module 350 is configured to generate by learning, from the flow data generated by the flow meters, values usual water consumption for each floor.

Learning can be based on a statistical method such as unsupervised learning, supervised learning or semi-supervised learning. Preferably, the learning is at least based on a statistical method of the unsupervised learning type.

Water consumption on the floors of a building follows a calendar logic with different uses depending on the time of day, days of the week and weeks of the year. Thus, preferably, the usual water consumption values are a function of time in a calendar frame of reference. For example, the usual water consumption values are calculated by learning as a function of time in a calendar day, calendar week, calendar month or calendar year reference frame. More preferably, considering the seasonality and therefore the repetitions, the usual water consumption values are a function of time in a frame of reference of calendar day, calendar week, or calendar month. More preferably, the usual water consumption values are a function of time in a calendar week frame of reference.

In a calendar week reference, the usual water consumption values will be generated over a period of one week.

Furthermore, this data processing module 350 is configured to calculate, from the flow data generated by the flow meters, water consumption values observed for each of the floors.

These observed water consumption values as well as the usual water consumption values can advantageously be based on pre-recorded charts making it possible to take into account the pipe diameters as well as the number of equipment on each of the floors.

The tracking device and more particularly the processing module 350 can also carry out a comparison of the values received with predetermined values, when generating an alert, when recording data on a data storage means, when generating reporting and/or data transmission.

A system 10 according to the invention may comprise several tracking devices 3 each being positioned on one of the slave hydraulic units.

A system 10 according to the invention may comprise several tracking devices 3, one being positioned on the master hydraulic unit and the others each being positioned on one of the slave hydraulic units.

In particular, the data processing module 350 is further configured to compare, for each of the floors, the usual water consumption values with the observed water consumption values. In particular, a time differential can be used to obtain the consumption as a function of the measured flow.

The data processing module can identify unusual consumption when the observed water consumption values differ from the usual water consumption values. Indeed, the observed water consumption can be significantly lower or higher than usual water consumption, preferably for a comparable period of time.

In particular, the data processing module is configured to identify, from the unusual consumption, an upward or downward water consumption trend.

Preferably, the data processing module is configured to identify, from the unusual consumption, a water leak in one of the floors. In addition, the communication module of the monitoring device is preferably configured to send an alert to the connected control object if a water leak is identified in one of the floors.

Thus, when a leak is identified, the monitoring device is advantageously configured to automatically send to the control units 150,250 an instruction to close at least one of the solenoid valves.

A tracking device according to the invention comprises a communication module 360 configured to exchange (eg receive and transmit) information with one or more connected control objects 4 such as tablets, telephones, watches, computers or servers . A monitoring device 3 comprises in particular a communication module 360 configured to transmit to the connected control object 4, for each of the floors, the usual water consumption values and the observed water consumption values.

For example, the communication module 360 is configured to exchange data with a connected control object 4 on at least one communication network and can include wired or wireless communication. Preferably, the communication is operated via a wireless protocol such as wifi, 3G, 4G, or 5G. Furthermore, the interaction may involve application software used by the operator to interact with a system according to the invention.

In addition, the communication module 360 is configured to communicate with the master and slave hydraulic boxes in particular via their communication modules 160,260.

Advantageously, the communication module 360 is configured so as to be able to send instructions to the control units 150, 250.

Thus, the connected control object 4 can interact remotely with master 1 and slave 2 hydraulic boxes according to the invention.

In particular, the communication module 360 is configured to exchange data with the master and slave hydraulic boxes on at least one communication network and can include wired or wireless communication. Preferably, the communication is carried out by means of a wired protocol, for example of the Ethernet or wireless type such as wifi, LoRa or Sigfox.

Thus, the tracking device 3 is configured to manage at least two communication interfaces presenting different communication protocols. A first communication interface allows data exchange with the hydraulic units while a second communication interface allows data exchange with a connected control object.

Advantageously, the connected object 4 is configured to, on command from the HMI, send requests to the master hydraulic units to which it has access so as to display the consumption data observed over a predetermined period of time. As has been mentioned, the connected object 4 is preferably configured so as not to be able to record the observed consumption data.

The various means described above such as on the one hand the communication modules and the control units, and on the other hand the solenoid valves and flowmeters are distinct in FIG. 1 but the invention can provide for various types of arrangement such as for example a single module combining all the functions described here. Similarly, with regard to the computer means, they can be divided into several electronic cards or else gathered on a single electronic card.

The connected control object(s) 4 can be tablets, telephones, watches, computers or servers.

A connected control object 4 according to the invention advantageously allows a user to create, modify and manage a building heritage. It is for example possible in each building to create, modify and manage floors. A system according to the invention, for example via the control units or the processing module, is advantageously capable of processing operator commands in real time. These commands can for example be generated via a man-machine interface carried by the connected control object 4.

In addition, the connected control object 4 can allow at the level of a building or at the level of a floor of a building to configure an automatic closing of the solenoid valves to prevent flooding in the evening and on weekends for example. Preferably, on each floor page, it is possible to view consumption (day, month, year).

Thus, for a building or a plurality of buildings, it is possible to visualize the consumption of each floor and to be informed of the presence of an anomaly such as a water leak.

For this, a connected control object 4 according to the invention comprises a communication module capable of receiving the usual water consumption values for each of the floors and the water consumption values observed for each of the floors.

In addition, a connected control object 4 according to the invention comprises a display module 410 capable of displaying the usual water consumption values for each of the floors and the water consumption values observed for each of the floors.

Application software carried by a connected control object 4 may for example be capable of interacting with a control unit according to the invention and comprises a man-machine interface of the graphical interface type making it possible to facilitate interaction with an operator. An operator can then act on the connected control object 4 so as to generate an instruction capable of being implemented by the control unit so as to act on the hydraulic network of the building through one or more of the hydraulic boxes according to the invention.

As mentioned, the invention is particularly useful in the context of the management of a plurality of buildings 20.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the implementation of a system according to the invention in a plurality of buildings 20 allowing an operator to follow in parallel, and from the same connected control object 4, the water consumption in the floors of several 20 buildings. This makes it possible to greatly facilitate the asset management of a building stock such as an office building stock.

Thus, more preferably, a system according to the invention comprises several master hydraulic boxes each being respectively associated with a building 20. The person skilled in the art will understand here that the buildings will include the other equipment of the system described above such as the boxes hydraulic slaves 2 and tracking devices 3.

In Figure 2, the cloud is not to be interpreted as a means of remote storage but as a means of communication and data transport. Indeed, advantageously, the data and more particularly the observed consumption data are accessible via the connected object on the master hydraulic units. In addition, preferably, they cannot be saved by the connected object.

As illustrated in thefigure 3, a system 10 according to the invention may further comprise a device 5 for measuring CO₂(for carbon dioxide) in each of the floors. In FIG. 3, the device 5 for measuring CO₂is not integrated into the hydraulic unit. Nevertheless, advantageously, the CO sensor₂is integrated into the hydraulic box and even more advantageously, the system does not include sensors external to the box.

The CO ₂ measuring device can be configured to send to the monitoring device 3, directly or indirectly (eg via the slave or master hydraulic units) measured _{CO 2 values.} In this case, the data processing module 350 is configured to use the CO ₂ values measured during the generation of the usual water consumption values and/or the calculation of the observed water consumption values. This use of the _{measured CO 2} values can be done directly or after a pre-processing of the _{measured CO 2} values, said pre-processing making it possible to deduce therefrom the frequentation of the floor.

Thus, those are then consumption values depending on the time and the estimated number of users that are used. This makes it possible to increase the accuracy of a system according to the invention. The CO ₂ sensors can for example be placed in ventilations.

In a building, the variations in the number of people are significant as a function of time and all the more so when large buildings with many floors are concerned. The calculation of an estimate of the number of people via CO ₂ sensors can be carried out via the use of neural network type algorithms.

In addition, a system according to the invention may comprise other sensors such as at least one ambient sensor 6. The ambient sensor(s) may measure parameters of the environment of the building or of the floors concerned. Similarly, at least one ambient sensor 6 is integrated into the hydraulic unit. In addition, advantageously, the system does not include an ambient sensor external to the hydraulic box but coupled to the hydraulic box. Indeed, advantageously, a hydraulic box according to the invention forms a whole not requiring a wired or wireless connection to sensors external to the box.

An ambient sensor 6 can for example be selected from: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a barometer, a carbon monoxide sensor and a volatile organic compound sensor.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, according to another aspect , the invention relates to a building 20 coupled to a system 10 according to the invention. In particular, a building according to the invention has a hydraulic unit 1, 2 on each floor. Advantageously, the connected control object 4 can be present outside the building as shown schematically in Figure 2.

Preferably, the building comprises a master hydraulic box 1 and several slave hydraulic boxes 2. For example, a master hydraulic box 1 can be installed in the basement or on the ground floor while the slave hydraulic boxes 2 are installed in the other floors.

Alternatively, one of the stages can comprise two hydraulic units: a master hydraulic unit and a slave hydraulic unit.

Furthermore, according to another aspect , the invention relates to a method 500 for monitoring and centralized control of the water consumption of several floors of a building .

Such a method is preferably implemented by a monitoring and control system according to the invention.

In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , it comprises for each of the stages, a generation 510, by flowmeters, of water flow data in a cold water distribution pipe and water flow data in a hot water distribution pipe. These cold water distribution pipes are preferably the first pipes supplying the floor and it is therefore at the level of these pipes that all of the water consumed in this floor circulates. Thus, the flow values generated will be representative of the water consumption of the floor.

The method then includes a transmission 520 to a monitoring device 3 of the flow rate values generated by the flowmeters. This transmission can for example be carried out by a communication module of the hydraulic units.

The method also includes a generation 530 by learning, from the flow values generated by the flow meters, of usual water consumption values for each of the floors of the building. This generation can be carried out once and for all at the time of setting up a system according to the invention and spread over a period of one week or a few weeks.

Advantageously, this generation by learning of usual water consumption values is carried out several times and throughout the monitoring of the building. Indeed, this allows an update of the usual consumption values over time so as to integrate downward or upward trends in water consumption and not to confuse them with leaks. This is particularly advantageous in the context of centralizing the monitoring of water consumption in accordance with a method according to the invention.

Advantageously, the data from the flowmeters are transformed every hour into observed consumption data and recorded for example in the form of a txt or json file. This consumption data observed over an hour can then be summed to generate consumption data observed over a day, a week, a month, etc.

The method also includes a calculation 540, from the flow data generated by the flow meters, of water consumption values observed for each of the floors of the building. This calculation can be carried out within one and the same tracking device 3 or else from several tracking devices 3 each focusing on a floor.

The method further comprises a transmission 550, for example to the connected control object 4, by a communication module 360, of usual water consumption values and observed water consumption values. These values can then be displayed 560, by a display module of the connected control object 4.

Advantageously, the centralized monitoring and control method includes the calculation of observed water consumption values of installations associated with at least two different buildings. Thus, this allows a building manager to jointly and easily supervise a plurality of buildings.

Such a method makes it possible in particular to control each of the solenoid valves. Thus, the monitoring and control method may comprise a step of receiving a solenoid valve control instruction, by the communication module, said instruction comprising a solenoid valve identifier making it possible to select the solenoid valve to be controlled and a value of status allowing to control the state of the solenoid valve. Instructions can be transmitted by any client capable of communicating with the communication module (e.g. computer, mobile phone).

A method according to the invention may further comprise a comparison of usual water consumption values or observed water consumption values. This comparison can be carried out using known statistical methods. Preferably, this comparison step is carried out using comparison or learning models such as: neural network, Kernel, Multiple kernel learning, Support vector machine, decision trees, logistic regression, multiple regression and/or method of nearest neighbours.

In this context, more preferably, the comparison step is based on a model, trained on a data set and configured to predict a usual water consumption value at a given time. More specifically, this prediction is based on data sets containing information on the water consumption values and the instant of measurement of these values. For example, for calibration purposes, it is possible to use a data set from an abacus-type simulation to generate predetermined expected consumption data that will be used as a basis for learning while waiting for generation of stabilized observed consumption data.

In particular, charts giving theoretical calculations on the flow rates according to the number of equipment can be recorded in the hydraulic boxes and the layout of the building. Then, starting from this starting point, a hydraulic unit according to the invention will advantageously be configured to learn from itself.

Nevertheless, more advantageously, the set of data can comprise values corresponding to the water consumption values recorded in this installation. Preferably, the comparison step then includes the use of a supervised, unsupervised or semi-supervised statistical learning model.

Preferably, a method according to the invention comprises at least the use of an unsupervised learning model. Thanks to this, a monitoring method according to the invention can more effectively identify a deviation from the habits of the users of the installation.

This unsupervised learning model can for example be selected from an unsupervised Gaussian mixture model, an ascending hierarchical clustering (Hierarchical clustering Agglomerative in Anglo-Saxon terminology) or a descending hierarchical classification (Hierarchical clustering divisive in Anglo-Saxon terminology) .

Thus, the standard water consumption values can come from reference water consumption, past water consumption in this installation or advantageously from self-learning. These values can also be modified to take account of changes in the habits of the user(s) of the installation.

In some regions, occasional deterioration in the quality of the water distributed via the networks can be observed. This degradation can lead to health risks for the users of an installation if they consume unsafe water. The present invention proposes a solution to this problem. For this, a method according to the invention may include a step of controlling the quality of the water on the hydraulic network.

A method according to the invention can also comprise a step of measuring the carbon dioxide concentration in the air of a floor of the building and a comparison of the measured carbon dioxide value with a standard value of carbon dioxide concentration. carbon. The standard carbon dioxide concentration value is preferably a predetermined value for the same period of time. The standard or predetermined carbon dioxide concentration values may come from reference values, from average carbon dioxide values measured in this installation or advantageously from self-learning. These values can also be modified to take account of changes in the habits of the user(s) of the installation.

The method can then compare the measured carbon dioxide concentration to a standard carbon dioxide concentration value so as to determine whether unusual water consumption can be justified by the presence of a greater number of users in the installation. Indeed, once normalized with regard to the habits of the users of the accommodation or offices (definition of predetermined values), the carbon dioxide concentration can be correlated with the water consumption in the installation. For example, in the presence of a very low concentration of CO ₂ , reflecting an unoccupied place, the water consumption is reduced compared to the periods of occupation of the installation (generally associated with a higher concentration of carbon dioxide) .

In addition, the method may comprise CO and VOC concentration measurements, a comparison of the measured values with standard values and the generation of an alert on the deterioration of the air quality in the installation in the event of exceeding standard values.

The measurement of the CO concentration can also make it possible to identify incomplete combustion which can be harmful for the occupants of the installation. Thus, a combined measurement of CO, VOC, CO ₂ and ambient temperature can allow the detection of the start of a fire.

All the methods described above can be implemented independently but are advantageously implemented by a hydraulic unit according to the invention.

A hydraulic box according to the invention is simple and quick to install in a building, in particular in an already constructed building. The ends of the conduits or pipes of the water sub-circuits of the hydraulic network must then be connected, preferably in a removable manner.

Thus, thanks to a hydraulic box according to the invention, it is possible to install centralized management of the water network in a building of several floors in just a few tens of minutes, whereas this could take several hours with the systems of the prior art. In addition, the risk of accidents and poor workmanship will have been reduced.

Moreover, because of all these advantages, it is possible to monitor and control in real time and in parallel the hydraulic installations of several floors of several buildings.

Claims (16)

System (10) for centralized monitoring and control of the water consumption of a multi-storey building comprising: a master hydraulic box (1), at least two slave hydraulic boxes (2) each being associated with one of the floors, at the at least one tracking device (3) and one connected control object (4),
said slave hydraulic boxes (2) comprising:
- a cold water distribution pipe (210) equipped with a flow meter (212) and a solenoid valve (213),
- a hot water distribution pipe (220) equipped with a flow meter (222) and a solenoid valve (223),
- a control unit (250) capable of controlling the solenoid valves (213, 223), and
a communication module (260) configured to transmit, to the tracking device (3), flow data generated by the flow meters (212, 222);
said master hydraulic unit (1) comprising:
- a cold water distribution pipe (110), connected to the main water network, equipped with a flow meter (112) and a solenoid valve (113),
- a control unit (150) capable of controlling the solenoid valves (113) of the master hydraulic box, and
- a communication module (160) configured to transmit, to the tracking device (3), flow data generated by the flow meters (112);
said at least one tracking device (3) comprising:
- a data processing module (350) configured for:
-- generate by learning, from the flow data generated by the flow meters, usual water consumption values for at least one of the floors, and
-- calculate, from the flow data generated by the flow meters, water consumption values observed for at least one of the floors; and
- a communication module (360) configured to transmit to the connected control object (4) the usual water consumption values and the observed water consumption values; and
said connected control object (4) comprising:
- a communication module capable of receiving the water consumption values observed for each of the floors, and
- a display module (410) capable of displaying said water consumption values observed for each of the floors. Centralized monitoring and control system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the master hydraulic unit (1) communicates with the slave hydraulic units (2) in a local network. Centralized monitoring and control system according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a single data monitoring device (3) positioned in the master hydraulic unit (1). Centralized monitoring and control system according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises several monitoring devices (3), one of the monitoring devices (3) being positioned on the master hydraulic unit (1) and the others being each positioned on one of the hydraulic slave boxes (2). Centralized monitoring and control system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the processing module comprises charts relating to the admissible flow rates according to the number of equipment on each of the stages. Centralized monitoring and control system according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the data processing module is further configured to compare the usual water consumption values with the observed water consumption values and to identify unusual consumption when the observed water consumption values differ from the usual water consumption values. Centralized monitoring and control system according to claim 6, characterized in that the data processing module is configured to identify, from the unusual consumption, a water leak in one of the floors. Centralized monitoring and control system according to claim 7, characterized in that the communication module of the monitoring device is configured to send an alert to the connected control object when a water leak is identified in one of the floors . Centralized monitoring and control system according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control units (150,250) are configured to close a solenoid valve when the communication modules of the hydraulic boxes receive an instruction to close said solenoid valve. Centralized monitoring and control system according to any one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the processing module is configured to carry out consumption comparisons according to seasonality. Centralized monitoring and control system according to any one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises at least one CO ₂ measuring device in each of the stages and in that the processing module is configured to take measured CO ₂ values into account when comparing typical water consumption values and observed water consumption values. Centralized monitoring and control system according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises several master hydraulic boxes (1) each associated with a different building. Building coupled to a system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that each floor is equipped with one of the hydraulic units (1,2). Process for centralized monitoring and control of the water consumption of several floors of a building comprising :
- for each of the stages, a generation (510), by flow meters (112, 212, 222), of water flow data in a cold water distribution pipe and in a hot water distribution pipe, each respectively supplying one of said stages;
- a transmission (520) to a monitoring device (3), by a communication module (160, 260) of the flow data generated by the flow meters (112, 212, 222);
- a generation (530) by learning, from the flow data generated by the flow meters, of usual water consumption values for each of the floors of the building,
- a calculation (540), by the monitoring device (3), from the flow data generated by the flow meters, of water consumption values observed for each of the floors of the building;
- transmission (550) to the connected control object (4), by a communication module (360), of usual water consumption values and observed water consumption values; and
- a display (560), by a display module of the connected control object (4), of the usual water consumption values and of the observed water consumption values. Centralized monitoring and control method according to claim 14, characterized in that it includes the calculation of observed water consumption values of floors associated with at least two different buildings. Process for centralized monitoring and control of water consumption according to one of Claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the connected control object (4) receives and displays the usual water consumption values and the consumption values in water observed from several floors of several different buildings.